UK PM corruption: Flat redesign in exchange for 'great exhibition'

• 

Boris Johnson is in hot water again, being accused of corruption for seeking funds for his flat refurbishment.

More precisely, Johnson had been conversing on Whatsapp with fellow Tory David Brownlow, asking for approval so his decor designer could "get on with it". The conversation took place in November 2020.

Brownlow replied "Of course, get Lulu to call me and we’ll get it sorted ASAP! Thanks for thinking about GE2.” The GE2 here seems to refer to Great Exhibition 2, the second reiteration of the first Great Exhibition, which was held in Hyde Park in 1851, and showcased displays of the UK's innovations, industries, and economic power.

Labour Deputy Leader Angela Rayner said it seems Brownlow had access to Johnson "because he was paying" for the refurbishments, adding that if this proves true, then this will constitute a case of "corruption, plain and simple."

Johnson apologized for the texts not being handed to his independent ethics advisor Christopher Geidt, and said that he had forgotten them, while Geidt, visibly frustrated, said that the PM did not break the ministerial code, but rather acted unwisely.

The text messages between Johnson and Brownlow reveal that Johnson may have lied to his ethics when he said he did not know Brownlow was funding £58,000 of renovations to the PM's residence until “immediately prior to media reports".

The text messages

29 November 2020, 12.59 pm
Boris Johnson:

Hi David
I am afraid parts of our flat are still a bit of a tip and am keen to allow Lulu Lytle to get on with it. Can I possibly ask her to get in touch with you for approvals?
Many thanks and all best
Boris
Ps am on the great exhibition plan Will revert.

29 November 2020, 3.44 pm
David Brownlow:

Afternoon Prime Minister, I hope you’re both well
Sorry for the delay I was out for a walk and didn’t have my ‘work’ phone with me.
Of course, get Lulu to call me and we’ll get it sorted ASAP!
Thanks for thinking about GE2
Best wishes David

29 November 2020, 4.10 pm
David Brownlow:

I should have said, as the Trust isn’t set up yet (will be in January) approval is a doddle as it’s only me and I know where the £ will come from, so as soon as Lulu calls we can crack on – David

Yet another Johnson incident

This incident marks yet another in a series of things Johnson has been accused of. He had recently come under fire in December 2021 for holding a party without taking COVID restrictions into account.

There has been rising dissatisfaction with Johnson's leadership among Conservative lawmakers, with 57% of voters believing he should resign according to a December poll.

"The findings of our latest poll are certainly dramatic, with a devastating fall in both support for the Conservatives and approval for the prime minister," said Adam Drummond, Head of Political Polling at Opinium.

He warned that Johnson was the "king of comebacks" who had recovered from difficult polling situations before.

"However, unless the Conservatives can turn these numbers around quickly, backbenchers might start asking if the party is over for the prime minister," he said.